A simple and convenient one-pot synthesis of substituted isoindolin-1-ones via lithiation, substitution and cyclization of N'-benzyl-N,N-dimethylureas

Abstract

Lithiation of N'-benzyl-N,N-dimethylurea and its substituted derivatives with t-BuLi (3.3 equiv) in anhydrous THF at 0 °C followed by reaction with various electrophiles afforded a range of 3-substituted isoindolin-1-ones in high yields.

Keywords

• N'-benzyl-N,N-dimethylureas
• isoindolin-1-ones
• directed lithiation
• electrophiles
• substitution
• synthesis